Columbia Crest honcho Juan Muñoz Oca officially lists himself as the “co-winemaker” for this bottling because consumers offered suggestions online throughout the process for this inaugural CrowdSourced Cabernet Sauvignon from Crest’s Block 10. (Work on the 2015 vintage continues). The focus is on hand-picked, nocturnally harvested Cabernet Sauvignon (87%) with contributions of … [Read more...] about Columbia Crest 2014 CrowdSourced Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, $30
Washington
Dumas Station 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Why mess with success? Jay Dewitt continues to focus on Minnick Hills and Birch Creek vineyards for this rich and round Cabernet Sauvignon that follows up on his remarkable Cab from the cooler 2011 vintage. Alluring fruity aromas of blackberry and plum blend nicely with dark chocolate, spice rub and black tea. The entry to the palate is both rich and bold with more blackberry, … [Read more...] about Dumas Station 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley, $38
Jones of Washington 2013 Estate Vineyards Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $30
Columbia Valley winemaker Victor Palencia ranks among the Pacific Northwest’s premier producers of aromatic white wines, and he shows his skill here for the Jones family with the obscure red Bordeaux variety Carménère. It offers enticing aromas of blackberry, loganberry and cherry juice with alluring light toast and herbal notes of green peppercorn. The pour brings smooth … [Read more...] about Jones of Washington 2013 Estate Vineyards Carménère, Wahluke Slope, $30
Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Mistral Grenache, Red Mountain, $29
Mercer Island city planner Scott Greenberg draws much of the fruit for his 1,000-case operation from Red Mountain, and the source for his Grenache is acclaimed Ciel du Cheval Vineyard. Macerated blueberry and pomegranate aromas pick up light hints of coffee, vanilla and herbs. Its smooth and juicy structure runs from black currant and dark plum to blueberry with a savory … [Read more...] about Convergence Zone Cellars 2013 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Mistral Grenache, Red Mountain, $29
Long Shadows Vintners 2015 Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20
The collaboration among renowned German producer Armin Diel and Walla Walla winemaker Gilles Nicault continues to produce harmonious Riesling in Washington state for the Long Shadows Vintners portfolio. Classic notes of Granny Smith apple, lime zest and minerality lead to clean and elegant flavors of Golden Delicious apple and ripe pear. The residual sugar remains dialed in … [Read more...] about Long Shadows Vintners 2015 Poet’s Leap Riesling, Columbia Valley, $20